On July 3, President Donald Trump unveiled a rather unconventional proposal: the White House could potentially play host to an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event next year, marking the 250th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence. Yes, you read that correctly—nothing says “freedom” quite like a mixed martial arts brawl on the front lawn of the nation’s most iconic residence.
During a “Salute to America” gathering in Des Moines, Iowa, Trump informed his audience of a year-long series of events planned to commemorate this significant anniversary. “Every one of our national park battlefields and historic sites will be bustling with special activities,” he declared, as if historical reverence and cage fighting were two peas in a pod.
“I even think we’re going to have a UFC fight,” Trump continued, relishing the thought. “Imagine this—on the grounds of the White House! We have ample land there. We’re going to set up a little arena—well, not us, Dana’s going to do it. Dana’s fantastic. Truly one of a kind.”
For the uninitiated, Dana White is the president of UFC and a longtime friend of Trump, creating a delightful synergy between the worlds of politics and sports entertainment.
Trump elaborated that this planned event would be a “UFC fight, championship fight, full fight,” with an expected attendance of 20,000 to 25,000 spectators. Because what better way to honor independence than by cheering on fighters in a no-holds-barred contest?
In addition to the UFC spectacle, Trump hinted at a broader range of festivities scheduled for the year leading up to July 4, 2026. This includes a youth sporting event dubbed the “Patriot Games,” aimed at showcasing top high school athletes from all 50 states. “It’s going to be tremendous,” Trump assured, though specifics remain evasive—perhaps shrouded in the same mystery as the logistics of hosting a fight at the White House.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the proposed UFC event on the social media platform X, stating, “It’s going to be epic!” A phrase that could be construed as either enthusiastic or as a harbinger of chaos, depending on one’s perspective.
Trump, who has earned the moniker “Combatant in Chief” in mixed martial arts circles, is no stranger to UFC events. He was a recent spectator at a fight in New Jersey this past June, adding a touch of celebrity to the sport.
Historically, Trump has hosted UFC events, such as “UFC 30: Battle on the Boardwalk” and “UFC 31: Locked and Loaded” at the now-closed Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City back in 2001. He also celebrated his election victory by attending a UFC event at Madison Square Garden in New York City—a fitting arena for a man who thrives in the spotlight.
Trump’s remarks in Des Moines are being interpreted as the kickoff to a remarkable year ahead, according to a statement from the America 250 Commission. Established by Congress in 2016, this commission is tasked with orchestrating the 250th anniversary celebrations. They aim to engage communities nationwide, fostering a renewed commitment to America’s future—preferably with a side of ground-and-pound action.
Additional festivities will include “the great American State Fair,” which promises to deliver America250 programming to fairgrounds across the country, culminating in a grand patriotic festival next summer on the National Mall, showcasing exhibits from all 50 states. Because if there’s one thing that screams unity, it’s a diverse array of state exhibits paired with an impromptu UFC match.
The Epoch Times has reached out to the White House and representatives from TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of UFC, for further insights regarding this audacious proposal.
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